1395 – Richard II Departs Ireland
In 1395, King Richard II of England left Ireland after a military campaign aimed at asserting English dominance over Irish chieftains and rebel Norman lords. Believing he had subdued resistance, Richard departed satisfied, though unrest soon resumed. His departure marked the temporary end of one of the more ambitious attempts at direct English control over Gaelic Ireland.
1600 – Sir Henry Docwra Lands at Culmore
Sir Henry Docwra arrived at Culmore near Derry with 4,000 foot soldiers and 200 horsemen on May 15, 1600. Tasked with securing Ulster during the Nine Years’ War, his landing marked a critical step in the English Crown’s campaign. Docwra’s strategic foothold led to the establishment of Derry as a key garrison town and symbolized the intensifying English military presence in Ireland.
1621 – Henry Docwra Created Baron of Culmore
On May 15, 1621, Sir Henry Docwra was ennobled as Baron Docwra of Culmore in recognition of his military service and colonization efforts in Ulster. His contributions to establishing English control in the region were central to the development of what would become the Protestant Ascendancy.
1732 – Birth of Sir John Blaquiere
Born on May 15, 1732, Sir John Blaquiere served as Chief Secretary for Ireland and was later created Baron de Blaquiere. As a British civil servant and politician, he played a key role in late 18th-century Irish governance during a period of increasing unrest and calls for reform.
1808 – Birth of Composer Michael William Balfe
Michael William Balfe, born in Dublin on May 15, 1808, achieved international fame for his operatic compositions, most notably The Bohemian Girl. His work was acclaimed across Europe and he became a prominent figure in Victorian musical culture, representing a rare Irish success in classical music at the time.
1829 – Daniel O’Connell Refuses Anti-Catholic Oath in Parliament
On May 15, 1829, Daniel O’Connell entered the House of Commons but refused to take the anti-Catholic oath required to sit. Though elected earlier, O’Connell’s stand highlighted the limitations of the recently passed Catholic Emancipation Act and underscored his unwavering commitment to full religious and political equality.
1847 – Death of Daniel O’Connell in Genoa
Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most significant political leaders, died on May 15, 1847, in Genoa, Italy. Known as “The Liberator,” he championed Catholic Emancipation and constitutional nationalism. His body was returned to Ireland for burial at Glasnevin Cemetery, but his heart was interred in Rome, reflecting his lifelong devotion to both faith and country.
1922 – Civic Guard Mutiny Begins in Kildare
The Civic Guard Mutiny erupted on May 15, 1922, when recruits of the new Irish police force rebelled against their British-trained leadership in Kildare. This crisis of command underscored the difficulties faced by the Irish Free State in establishing independent institutions amidst the Civil War’s looming outbreak.
1974 – Ulster Workers’ Council Strike Begins
On May 15, 1974, the Ulster Workers’ Council initiated a general strike in Northern Ireland to protest the Sunningdale Agreement. Backed by loyalist paramilitaries, the strike paralyzed the province and ultimately collapsed the power-sharing executive, reinforcing sectarian divisions and delaying political progress for decades.
| 2003 – Discovery of Old Croghan Man in Offaly A bog body known as Old Croghan Man was discovered on May 15, 2003, in County Offaly. Radiocarbon dating placed his death around 362–175 BCE, and forensic analysis revealed he had been ritually killed. The find provided remarkable insight into Iron Age life, ritual, and society in prehistoric Ireland. |  |
2010 – Death of Confectioner Thomas Caffrey
Thomas Caffrey, founder of Caffrey’s Confectionery, passed away on May 15, 2010. Celebrated for creating iconic Irish sweets like the chocolate snowball and macaroon bar, his innovations earned him the nickname “Ireland’s Willy Wonka,” delighting generations of children across the island.
2015 – Ursula Halligan Comes Out in Support of Marriage Equality
On May 15, 2015, Ursula Halligan, political editor for TV3, publicly came out as gay in an emotional op-ed. Her revelation came days before Ireland’s historic marriage equality referendum and became a powerful personal statement that resonated with many during the national debate.
2015 – Pinewood Studios Announces Expansion into Ireland
Pinewood Studios, known for producing James Bond and Star Wars films, announced the formation of Pinewood Productions Ireland Limited on May 15, 2015. The move signaled Ireland’s growing stature in the international film industry and its attractiveness as a production hub.